DePaul Defense Fuels 3-1 Win Over Villanova - DePaul University Athletics

Saturday, November 7

Villanova, Pa.

4 p.m.

DePaul University

17-8,9-5Big East

Villanova

12-13,5-9Big East

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
DePaul	23	25	25	25	3
Villanova	25	20	20	23	1

11/7/2026 6:55:00 PM | WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

Box Score

Blue Demons snap three-match winless streak, complete season sweep of Wildcats

VILLANOVA, Pa. — DePaul (17-8, 9-5 BIG EAST) came back from 23-20 down in the fourth set and closed on a five-point run to beat Villanova (12-13, 5-9 BIG EAST) 23-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-23 on Saturday at Jake Nevin Fieldhouse. The win snapped a three-match winless streak and gave the Blue Demons the season sweep over the Wildcats.

Isabela Tavares Salomon led DePaul with 16 kills and five block assists, while Kendall Timme added 13 kills and two aces. Caroline Wright anchored the net with eight block assists, and libero Abby Cahill led the back row with 18 digs. Leonor Polezzi recorded 42 assists, 11 digs and four aces.

DePaul held the edge at the net and at the service line, out-blocking Villanova 11-9 and out-acing the Wildcats eight to four. Martina Diana chipped in nine kills and eight digs, and Jade Dudley-Epps finished with eight kills and three block assists. Villanova was led by Abby Harrell's match-high 17 kills and 12 from Campbell McKinnon.

"That match was the definition of 'bring your own guts,'" said head coach Marie Zidek. "How the team had to respond after three tough matches where our game left us, and to get it back today against a tough Villanova squad, shows how much depth of game, belief, maturity and work ethic this team is capable of when there is dedication to the program mission. That match was such an important step for this group and another experience in this crucible of a season that continues to yield growth moments and elevate the standard."

How it Happened
SET ONE | Villanova built a 15-9 lead, but DePaul battled back to tie the set at 18-18 and again at 20-20. The Blue Demons took a 22-21 lead, but the Wildcats finished on a 4-1 run to win 25-23. Tavares Salomon had seven kills on a .385 clip in the frame.

SET TWO | Villanova led 20-15, but DePaul closed the set on a 10-0 run to win 25-20. Polezzi was at the service line for the finish, including an ace that tied the set at 20-20, and Wright recorded four block assists in the frame. Wright put away the final kill.

SET THREE | Villanova led 11-8, but the set was tied at 12-12 and DePaul outscored the Wildcats 13-8 the rest of the way to win 25-20. Diana hit .714 with five kills, Tavares Salomon added four kills, and DePaul hit .314 as a team.

SET FOUR | Villanova led 23-20, but DePaul answered with five straight points to win 25-23 and close out the match. Eva Hurrle served the final four points, capped by a match-ending ace. Tavares Salomon and Timme each had four kills in the set.

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TICKET INFORMATION
Season ticket memberships are now live for the 2026 DePaul Volleyball season! Season ticket memberships include access to all 15 anticipated regular season matches at McGrath-Phillips Arena in Lincoln Park. Season tickets are available beginning at $79 for general admission and $129 for courtside seating! Want to bring your team to the match? Group ticket deposits are also available for parties of 10 or more. Visit DePaulBlueDemons.com/Tickets to reserve your seats today!